From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (EP)

Madikeri, Dec 4: The Muslim community in Kodagu held symbolic protests in front of Gandhi pandal here on Saturday December 3 condemning the alleged burning of the Quran in Aiguru mosque. The protesters expressing their dissatisfaction against the state Congress government, urged for the arrests of the suspects.

Muslim community members who gathered under the leadership of Kodagu Muslim Samaja president, former MLA K M Ibrahim severely opposed the Aiguru incident and also the union government's proposed Uniform Civil Code. They warned of gathering an assembly of 25,000 Muslims in Gandhi Maidan and 'Vidhana Soudha chalo' protests if the suspects were not arrested by the district police within a week.

Kodagu Muslim Samaja executive president P M Kasim addressing the protesters said that the suspects have not been arrested even after several days of the Aiguru incident. "Therefore we are protesting for our rights. Our protests are not against any religion. We only want arrests of miscreants who indulged in the misdeed," he said.

"It is unfortunate that the district in-charge minister did not bother to verify the incident or sympathise with the minority community after the incident. There is suspicion of involvement of some Congressmen in the incident.

"While the then Congress president B T Pradeep kept away from Tipu Jayanti celebrations saying that it had hurt his self-esteem, MLC Veena Achayya stayed away from it this time. Similarly, don't we have any self-respect? Let the Congress leaders belonging to the minority community who do not respond to the pain of minorities resign from their posts," he said.

"We face injustice due to lack of unity. We face problems due to the 'Modis' in the Congress party. As Congress does not respond to our pain, let our vote remain with us," he said.

He expressed opposition to the proposed Uniform Civil Code saying that he would not allow anybody to touch the Sharia law.

Samaja president K M Ibrahim said that the protests would be taken to the doorsteps of chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister Parameshwara if those who were responsible for the incident were not arrested.

Samaja chief secretary Abdul Rashid said that there was no protection for the community at present though instances of violence against the community were taking place now and then. "Our protests are against such conspiracy and not to disrupt peace," he said.

District Congress labour unit president P V Shashidar said that those in the ruling party were embarrassed that the culprits who allegedly set fire to the Quran had still not been arrested and that there was no safety for the minority community.

Office-bearers of the Samaja and supporters went to the office of the district administration and submitted a memorandum there.

Samaja secretary Amin Mohsin, vice-president K A Yakub, senior vice-president Ahmed Haji, Nooruddin, Usman Haji, K A Hanif and other leaders participated in the protests.

Demands put forth by Kodagu Muslim Samaja:

- Deportation of suspects behind the alleged Quran burning incident
- Dropping of the proposed Uniform Civil Code
- Discussion on the problems faced by the Muslim community under the leadership of deputy commissioner once every three months
- Implementation of PM's 15-point programme, and publication of its progress every three months - - Setting aside Rs 10,000 crore for the welfare of the community in the next state budget
- Withdrawal of cases filed against innocent people during Tipu Jayanti celebrations in 2015.

V P Shashidar urges action

Meanwhile, in a press meet, district Congress labour unit president V P Shashidar urged the police to take action against those who take law into their hands. "There is tense situation in Hosathote of Somavarapete. Lack of strict action against the guilty is the reason for it.

"As the police failed to arrest those who set fire to the Quran, attempts to disrupt peace have continued. Gram panchayat member K P Dinesh has performed his duty by complaining against posters put up by miscreants. The assaults on Dinesh in this connection are condemnable," he said.

He criticized the Congress party for failing to respond to the problems of minorities. He warned of protests in front of the office of deputy commissioner if the police fail to take action regarding the alleged Aiguru incident.

Madikeri taluk labour unit president Abdul Razak, Kushalnagar Youth Congress' Chandan and others were present.